Kelsey Grammer Suggests His GOP Loyalties Cost Him an Emmy Nod for ‘Boss’

Has Kelsey Grammer’s work as bombastic Chicago mayor Tom Kane in “Boss” been ruled out by Emmy voters because Grammer’s own politics lean to the right?

Sounds like a Machiavellian story line suited for his character on the Starz drama, but during an appearance on Tuesday’s “Tonight Show,” Grammer not-so-subtly suggested that his Republican allegiances might have cost him TV’s top honor.

Host Jay Leno brought up the Emmy slight, asking why Grammer netted a Golden Globe for his performance as Kane but missed out on an Emmy nod. “I don’t know, Jay. It’s a question that will remain one for me throughout the ages,” Grammer said – but turns out he had an answer.

“I am a declared, out-of-the-closet Republican in Hollywood,” Grammer said. “Do I believe it’s possible that some young person, young voting actor, or even older voting member for the Emmys, would sit there and go, ‘Yeah, that’s a great performance, but ooh, I just hate everything he stands for?'”

Leno pressed the issue, pointing out that Grammer had won five Emmys for his past work on “Frasier” and “The Simpsons” and asked, “How long have you been a Republican?”

Grammer was ready for that one, too. “Just after that last [Emmy] I became one,” he said.

Here’s the full clip of Grammer waxing partisan, but be warned — this video also contains footage of Grammer flashing his “strategically placed" new tattoo, a loopy rendition of his wife Kayte’s name etched on his hip. Viewer discretion is advised.